Car owners worry about repair costs after insurance declares a total loss

“Definitely previously repaired. From an estimator, I wouldn't even touch it yourself. Go through insurance. [re: Can I repair these damage by myself? What do I need..]”

“Looking for advice from anyone who has gone through something similar or works in auto insurance/appraisals. Here is the situation: 2024: Vehicle suffered $8,000 worth of hail damage , which was repaired through an insurance claim. Current Market Value: Pre-theft value was around $20,000 – $25,000 . Recent Theft & Recovery: Vehicle was stolen and recovered 7 days later. Stripped & Damaged: Custom wheels/tires, custom lighting, aftermarket dashcam and the entire sound system/speakers were”

“California here. My sister’s Hyundai Sonata hit a curb on the front right side. GEICO inspected it and said there's structural undercarriage and suspension damage, then declared it a total loss. Collision shop is still waiting on the written estimate and valuation. They mentioned a possible: Right-front lower control arm Upper control arm Strut/tension rod Alignment issue However, none provided a written estimate or performed a complete teardown inspection. We haven't accepted the settle”

“I’m currently going through a potential total-loss claim with Allstate and wanted some input from adjusters/appraisers or anyone who has dealt with a similar valuation. The car is a 2012 Infiniti G37x AWD sedan with about 187k miles . I own it outright. The big caveat is that it already had a Kentucky rebuilt title before this accident, so I understand that is going to reduce the ACV compared with a clean-title G37x. The car was in very good cosmetic condition before the accident and I have date”

“As they should. And you can get a prorated refund (of any purchased warranty)of that warranty once a vehicle is declared a total loss. Total loss and salvaged title vehicles have nothing to do with this.”

“A kid ran into my 2017 Toyota Corolla last weekend, repair cost is 7,500$ which his mom wants to pay to avoid things going on his record.... My car is only 12,000$ at the MOST... I originally was going to have the repair done, but I'm seriously thinking it would just be better to have her give me the 7,500$ and pool my money for a new used car???? Please help me out with making the right choice and I'll love you forever!!!! submitted by /u/Bitter-Ship-3295 [link] [comme”

“So the thing about MOST total loss cars, is that the repair outweighs the cost of replacing the vehicle. Every once in a while you’ll get some minor damage that probably can just continue to drive, but technically should be replaced so the vehicle gets totaled. You probably have better odds of winning the lottery than finding a car like that.”

It’s a total loss… can be fixed for $50… somewhere on that spectrum.

“I made a claim for hail damage to my car. After the appraisal I was informed that it was a total loss. On the app, my only options are to proceed with releasing the vehicle to my insurance company. I informed my agent that I would be keeping my car, as it still drives great and the hail damage doesn’t bother me enough to get rid of it. They then changed their tune and said it might not be a total loss after all. I’m just wondering if this is normal? Thanks. submitted by /u/Dr_Photon8”

“Depends on the type of repair. I’d ask the mechanic to take a look and see if there’s other things that might be likely to fail in the next year or two for a better picture of what the costs on the horizon are.”

“That's going to be a question for your insurance, not the Internet. Total loss thresholds are different all over the country, as are labor rates, part costs, and valuations.”

“I am curious if i am being lowballed or not. My car, honda civic 2016 EX-L sedan CVT was totaled (2 or 3 airbags deployed, driver side door & in front of cabin on drivers side damaged) with about 102-103k miles on it. I have had the car for a decade and kept it pretty good shape (no issues beside what the accident caused). I have progressive for car insurance and am due to visit the office shortly now but is this what my car is worth? Or should it be more? Edit: …forgot to add what the offer”

“My car was previously declared a total loss for hail damage. In Texas the car can retain a clean title when this happens. I was rear ended last week and when they did the valuation report the 2 comps they used were branded title cars. I spoke to the agent who did the appraisal and he said the system flags that report of a total loss and the comp is done against branded title cars and he doesn't believe that can be changed. Just wonder if this is true and if it isn't how can I fight this?”

“I have a 2018 Toyota Camry LE with 62,000 miles. The car gotten into 2 accidents, but it got repaired through the other party insurance since they were at fault. I was wondering if $15,800 is a good actual cash value for my car or if I can ask my insurance for a bit more? Thank you! submitted by /u/Water031 [link] [comments]”

“Has anyone dealt with IAA asking for a blank title after a total loss?** My car was recently totaled in an accident, and IAA (a third-party company handling things like towing, title processing, etc.) is involved in the claim. They are asking me to send them the vehicle title without filling in the buyer/purchaser name** so they can process my settlement. The issue is that, in my state, I believe it may be illegal to sign or transfer a title without entering the buyer’s name. I’ve also received”

“Hello. I had a tesla lease for over a year, 2025 model y. Jus tgot into an accident and car was total by the insurance. My question is, my adjusted lease balance is way lower than the payout from the insurance, will i get the exceeds ? I called chase and they said i will but you never know when speaking with agents over the phone. The adjuster said that with most leases the bank gets to keep all ofnit and the equity but on the lease agreement doesnt say anything about that or that I would get an”

“While I was away for work my van(92 grand caravan) got its window smashed from a fallen lamp due to a hurricane. Made a claim and now the company is claiming to be a total loss primarily due to the wetted insides and "compromised electrical components". Now they're trying to collect my van. I'm trying to contest this but to no avail. Does anyone have any recommendations/solutions? I honestly don't care much for the insurance pay out, getting it fixed myself would be cheaper”

“My car was hit in July in Southern California. I have dash cams, so the initial fault was very easy to figure out, and initially damages were estimated and I brought it to the recommended repair shop. While at the repair shop, their estimates were higher than Progressive’s, and Progressive decided it was likely a total loss, so I got my personal belongings and agreed for them to pick up the car for assessment. That was at the beginning of the month, so it’s been nearing 3 weeks. I’ve contacted m”

“2026 CRV hybrid. Brand new. Less thank 1k miles. Hit and run while parked. Is it totaled? submitted by /u/DapperCollege1060 [link] [comments]”

“In these situations there is always some risk that the damage goes deeper than expected or that a major component needs replaced that you weren't planning for. On my Pilot I took the risk that the owner drove too far with a leaking radiator and overheated the engine. I took the $500 risk and it paid off, could have gone the other way. Regarding your Jeep, I would definitely buy it back and fix the front end if I were you. Has your inlaw inspected the vehicle to see besides the bumper and rad”

“Hey everyone, looking for a sanity check on how deductibles work when a repair attempt fails and turns into a total loss, all on a single claim ID. I'm trying to figure out if my insurance company double-dipped on my deductible or if my math is just wrong. Using round numbers to keep it simple: Policy Deductible: $500 Shop gives estimate of $4,000 Insurance approves estimate of $3,500 (won't pay over MSRP for parts) Step 1: The Initial Repair Attempt Insurance approves it and pays me $3,”

“We did discuss also fixing it and just keeping it and me using it until it stops working. I know it’s hard to say without inspecting yourself, but you think it looks like a lot of damage? Insurance is writing $14k for it but offered to sell it back to us for $4k. I’ve never had to deal with this before so I’m just kinda lost. I’d love to not have a car payment for a new used car but I’m also hoping to not hope to fix this and then just run into issue after issue related to this.”